In Defense (if pleading not guilty, this shows why you are not guilty)

In extenuation (if pleading guilty, this gives good reason why you did it)

In mitigation (if pleading guilty, this is a reason why the CO should lessen your punishment)

Have witnesses appear in your behalf

On the merits of the offense or

As good character witnesses

Have NJP proceedings open to the public

Appeal (if punishment is unjust or disproportionate to the offense)

Maximum Punishment

Company Grade (Company-Level) NJP

Field Grade (Battalion-Level) NJP

Restriction: 14 days

EPD: 14 days

Forfeitures: 7 day's pay

Reduction: None (CO must have promotion authority to be able to reduce)

Restriction: 60 days (45 if in conjunction with EPD)

EPD: 45 days

Forfeitures: ½ of pay for 2 months

Reduction: 1 pay grade

If You Refuse NJP

Charges may be dropped or

Administrative action may be taken (page 11 counseling, administrative separation, non-punitive letter of caution, etc.) or

Charges may be referred to either a summary or special court-martial

Court Martial Punishments

Max Punishment: Summary Court-Martial

Max Punishment: Special Court-Martial

E-4 and below: to E-1

E-5 and above: 1 pay grade

Confinement: 12 months

Forfeitures: ⅔ pay for 12 months

Reduction: to E-1

Discharge: Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)

Making Your Case: Personal & Character Statements

Before you come in for NJP counseling, think about what you will say and what others might say in your behalf. If you plan to make a statement, start work on it and bring it with you when you come in for counseling. If you plan to ask anyone else to be a witness, notify them and ask them if they are willing to be a witness for you. The following documents provide guidance on making statements and preparing character witnesses.